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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
asymptomatic HSV?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
asymptomatic HSV?
by curious_33, Jul 22, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Dr. Rockoff,
I have only had one sexual partner in my life (it was a monogamous relationship) and we always practiced protected sex. He'd had previous partners, so before we became involved he got tested for all STDs (except herpes) and was negative for everything. He never had symptoms of herpes.
Recently a friend was diagnosed with HSV2 and as I was reading about it, I found that genital herpes is usually subclinical. In the year and a half since I became sexually active I have never noticed any symptoms of herpes. A year ago I did have a red bump on my outer labia, but it developed a white head and my gyno told me it was only a pimple.
Now I'm terrified that I may have an asymptomatic infection that will one day "flare up." I know that 40% of people visiting clinics for herpes symptoms are actually experiencing a recurrent breakout. I currently do not have health insurance and my local free clinic does not offer the blood tests for HSV, so I can't get tested. So my questions are:
1. Does the presence of white pus in a pimple-like bump mean it cannot be a herpes sore?
2. What are the realistic odds of a formerly asymptomatic infection becoming symptomatic? I'm living in fear that any day I could break out in blisters and sores, and every small itch or twinge down there is driving me crazy.
Thank you so much for your help!
I have only had one sexual partner in my life (it was a monogamous relationship) and we always practiced protected sex. He'd had previous partners, so before we became involved he got tested for all STDs (except herpes) and was negative for everything. He never had symptoms of herpes.
Recently a friend was diagnosed with HSV2 and as I was reading about it, I found that genital herpes is usually subclinical. In the year and a half since I became sexually active I have never noticed any symptoms of herpes. A year ago I did have a red bump on my outer labia, but it developed a white head and my gyno told me it was only a pimple.
Now I'm terrified that I may have an asymptomatic infection that will one day "flare up." I know that 40% of people visiting clinics for herpes symptoms are actually experiencing a recurrent breakout. I currently do not have health insurance and my local free clinic does not offer the blood tests for HSV, so I can't get tested. So my questions are:
1. Does the presence of white pus in a pimple-like bump mean it cannot be a herpes sore?
2. What are the realistic odds of a formerly asymptomatic infection becoming symptomatic? I'm living in fear that any day I could break out in blisters and sores, and every small itch or twinge down there is driving me crazy.
Thank you so much for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 23, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 23, 2007 12:00AM
A white pus bump sounds like a blocked follicle, not a herpes sore. I honestly don't see why you are so anxious about something for which you have little or no risk. Most people with no symptoms of herpes don't have herpes. But the only way for you to know with as much certainty as possible is to have an HSV2 blood test. You may have to pay for this, but perhaps you'll decide that peace of mind is worth the cost. That is your choice.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
